“Why the Battle for Good Feels So Hard” | Shawn Williams

Behind the routine of our everyday Behind the routine of our everyday lives, an invisible war is raging. an invisible war is raging. And if you've ever wondered why choosing And if you've ever wondered why choosing And if you've ever wondered why choosing obedience feels like swimming upstream, obedience feels like swimming upstream, obedience feels like swimming upstream, why discouragement hits so hard, why discouragement hits so hard, why discouragement hits so hard, or why distraction and temptation feels or why distraction and temptation feels or why distraction and temptation feels so relentless, so relentless, so relentless, there's a reason it feels that way. there's a reason it feels that way. there's a reason it feels that way. a war being waged not over land or power a war being waged not over land or power a war being waged not over land or power but over your heart. but over your heart. but over your heart. Revelation 12 pulls back the curtain on Revelation 12 pulls back the curtain on Revelation 12 pulls back the curtain on that battle. that battle. that battle. The enemy is real. The battle is real, The enemy is real. The battle is real, The enemy is real. The battle is real, but so is the victory. The decisive blow but so is the victory. The decisive blow but so is the victory. The decisive blow has already been struck. The dragon is has already been struck. The dragon is has already been struck. The dragon is defeated. defeated. defeated. He still fights, but is one who has He still fights, but is one who has He still fights, but is one who has already lost. Which means you don't already lost. Which means you don't already lost. Which means you don't fight for victory, you fight from it. fight for victory, you fight from it. fight for victory, you fight from it. You are not alone and you are not You are not alone and you are not You are not alone and you are not defenseless.

defenseless. defenseless. Wake up to the fight, put on the armor Wake up to the fight, put on the armor Wake up to the fight, put on the armor and stand firm because the battle is and stand firm because the battle is and stand firm because the battle is real and the victory is absolute. real and the victory is absolute. real and the victory is absolute. The same Jesus who holds the throne is The same Jesus who holds the throne is The same Jesus who holds the throne is holding you. All right, good morning. Welcome. Good All right, good morning. Welcome. Good to have our Willow locations as well. to have our Willow locations as well. to have our Willow locations as well. Want to welcome those of you joining us Want to welcome those of you joining us Want to welcome those of you joining us online. And as always, big shout out to online. And as always, big shout out to online. And as always, big shout out to our brothers join us from the Jefferson our brothers join us from the Jefferson our brothers join us from the Jefferson City Correctional Center. Great to have City Correctional Center. Great to have City Correctional Center. Great to have everybody with us today. everybody with us today. everybody with us today. Uh well, happy July 5th, everybody. Uh, Uh well, happy July 5th, everybody. Uh, Uh well, happy July 5th, everybody. Uh, I know our July 4th plans maybe got I know our July 4th plans maybe got I know our July 4th plans maybe got washed out a little bit last night, but washed out a little bit last night, but washed out a little bit last night, but still hope you had a a great time still hope you had a a great time still hope you had a a great time celebrating the 250th birthday of this celebrating the 250th birthday of this celebrating the 250th birthday of this country that we get to live in. And I country that we get to live in. And I country that we get to live in. And I know we live in a a country that has know we live in a a country that has know we live in a a country that has some things that we've got to grow in. some things that we've got to grow in. some things that we've got to grow in. There's some problems we got to fix, but There's some problems we got to fix, but There's some problems we got to fix, but at the same time, what a privilege it is at the same time, what a privilege it is at the same time, what a privilege it is that we get to live in this really great that we get to live in this really great that we get to live in this really great nation. So grateful to celebrate that nation. So grateful to celebrate that nation. So grateful to celebrate that even with you all here today.

even with you all here today. even with you all here today. But we are diving in, people. We are But we are diving in, people. We are But we are diving in, people. We are halfway through our series in the book halfway through our series in the book halfway through our series in the book of Revelation. How you doing? We hanging of Revelation. How you doing? We hanging of Revelation. How you doing? We hanging in. All right. We we talked about this in. All right. We we talked about this in. All right. We we talked about this from the very get-go that Revelation is from the very get-go that Revelation is from the very get-go that Revelation is not intended to scare us. It's intended not intended to scare us. It's intended not intended to scare us. It's intended to prepare us. I need you to remind be to prepare us. I need you to remind be to prepare us. I need you to remind be be reminded of that as we dive in today. be reminded of that as we dive in today. be reminded of that as we dive in today. Revelation 12. So, if you got a Bible Revelation 12. So, if you got a Bible Revelation 12. So, if you got a Bible and go to Revelation 12, if you'd like and go to Revelation 12, if you'd like and go to Revelation 12, if you'd like to pull it up on a smartphone, feel free to pull it up on a smartphone, feel free to pull it up on a smartphone, feel free to do that. I'll also have the words on to do that. I'll also have the words on to do that. I'll also have the words on the screen in just a moment. Let me the screen in just a moment. Let me the screen in just a moment. Let me start this way. Uh there's a fairly start this way. Uh there's a fairly start this way. Uh there's a fairly popular Netflix show called Stranger popular Netflix show called Stranger popular Netflix show called Stranger Things. How many have you seen Stranger Things. How many have you seen Stranger Things. How many have you seen Stranger Things? Now, in case you haven't seen Things? Now, in case you haven't seen Things? Now, in case you haven't seen Stranger Things, let me tell you a Stranger Things, let me tell you a Stranger Things, let me tell you a little bit about it without giving little bit about it without giving little bit about it without giving anything away. Uh Stranger Things was anything away. Uh Stranger Things was anything away. Uh Stranger Things was was was set in 1980s kind of ordinary was was set in 1980s kind of ordinary was was set in 1980s kind of ordinary town Indiana. kind of like a normal town town Indiana. kind of like a normal town town Indiana. kind of like a normal town where kids ride their bikes, where where kids ride their bikes, where where kids ride their bikes, where there's just simple little cafeteria at there's just simple little cafeteria at there's just simple little cafeteria at school, where the sheriff knows school, where the sheriff knows school, where the sheriff knows everybody in town, and yet underneath everybody in town, and yet underneath everybody in town, and yet underneath this city that feels very ordinary, this city that feels very ordinary, this city that feels very ordinary, there's some pretty strange things.

there's some pretty strange things. there's some pretty strange things. And so there's these And so there's these And so there's these dark forces, these creatures, this dark forces, these creatures, this dark forces, these creatures, this almost like dark mirror of everything almost like dark mirror of everything almost like dark mirror of everything that's happening of what you can see. that's happening of what you can see. that's happening of what you can see. And so not everybody can see it. Not And so not everybody can see it. Not And so not everybody can see it. Not everybody's even aware of it, but everybody's even aware of it, but everybody's even aware of it, but there's a few younger people that become there's a few younger people that become there's a few younger people that become aware. And once you see it, you can't aware. And once you see it, you can't aware. And once you see it, you can't unsee it. Uh the show calls it the unsee it. Uh the show calls it the unsee it. Uh the show calls it the upside down. Uh most are young people. upside down. Uh most are young people. upside down. Uh most are young people. There's a few adults that finally There's a few adults that finally There's a few adults that finally experience this upside down. And again, experience this upside down. And again, experience this upside down. And again, once you see it, you can't unsee it. once you see it, you can't unsee it. once you see it, you can't unsee it. Once you experience it, it actually Once you experience it, it actually Once you experience it, it actually shapes the way you see what you shapes the way you see what you shapes the way you see what you physically see when you go back above physically see when you go back above physically see when you go back above ground. I think in many ways as you ground. I think in many ways as you ground. I think in many ways as you think about kind of this idea of think about kind of this idea of think about kind of this idea of Stranger Things that's the idea that you Stranger Things that's the idea that you Stranger Things that's the idea that you come across when you get to Revelation come across when you get to Revelation come across when you get to Revelation 12. Now certainly Stranger Things 12. Now certainly Stranger Things 12. Now certainly Stranger Things meaning the uh uh Netflix show is all meaning the uh uh Netflix show is all meaning the uh uh Netflix show is all fiction when you get into Revelation 12 fiction when you get into Revelation 12 fiction when you get into Revelation 12 I think is describing something that's I think is describing something that's I think is describing something that's incredibly real. But Revelation 12 will incredibly real. But Revelation 12 will incredibly real. But Revelation 12 will get at this idea of sometimes what get at this idea of sometimes what get at this idea of sometimes what you'll hear people talk about in church you'll hear people talk about in church you'll hear people talk about in church of this thing called spiritual warfare of this thing called spiritual warfare of this thing called spiritual warfare in a sense that there's this physical in a sense that there's this physical in a sense that there's this physical world that we see. But behind everything world that we see. But behind everything world that we see. But behind everything that we see physically, there's a that we see physically, there's a that we see physically, there's a spiritual realm that sits that maybe spiritual realm that sits that maybe spiritual realm that sits that maybe John would describe as kind of like the John would describe as kind of like the John would describe as kind of like the upside down. That once you see it, you upside down. That once you see it, you upside down. That once you see it, you can't unsee it. And once you really can't unsee it. And once you really can't unsee it. And once you really understand it, it actually shapes how understand it, it actually shapes how understand it, it actually shapes how you see everything else. uh elsewhere in you see everything else. uh elsewhere in you see everything else. uh elsewhere in scripture reminds us that that you and I

scripture reminds us that that you and I scripture reminds us that that you and I our battle is not against flesh and our battle is not against flesh and our battle is not against flesh and blood. It's actually not against what we blood. It's actually not against what we blood. It's actually not against what we see. It gives against the unseen forces see. It gives against the unseen forces see. It gives against the unseen forces and powers and all kinds of things that and powers and all kinds of things that and powers and all kinds of things that exist in our world. It kind of reminds exist in our world. It kind of reminds exist in our world. It kind of reminds us that our enemy is not our ex. Our us that our enemy is not our ex. Our us that our enemy is not our ex. Our enemy is not our political adversary. enemy is not our political adversary. enemy is not our political adversary. Our enemy is not our neighbor who just Our enemy is not our neighbor who just Our enemy is not our neighbor who just won't do the thing he's supposed to do won't do the thing he's supposed to do won't do the thing he's supposed to do in your neighborhood. in your neighborhood. in your neighborhood. that our enemy is a spiritual enemy. And that our enemy is a spiritual enemy. And that our enemy is a spiritual enemy. And though you can't see him with your though you can't see him with your though you can't see him with your physical eyes, you can certainly see the physical eyes, you can certainly see the physical eyes, you can certainly see the effects and the impact of what he's effects and the impact of what he's effects and the impact of what he's done. I mean, if you ever like paused to done. I mean, if you ever like paused to done. I mean, if you ever like paused to think about that the moment you're think about that the moment you're think about that the moment you're trying to make progress in whatever that trying to make progress in whatever that trying to make progress in whatever that area is, it's almost like it always area is, it's almost like it always area is, it's almost like it always takes a few steps back. takes a few steps back. takes a few steps back. Have you ever noticed that the addiction Have you ever noticed that the addiction Have you ever noticed that the addiction that we're trying to overcome that we're trying to overcome that we're trying to overcome often time is met with relapses? often time is met with relapses? often time is met with relapses? Have you ever recognized that the Have you ever recognized that the Have you ever recognized that the relationship that feels so broken that relationship that feels so broken that relationship that feels so broken that you were taking some steps forward in you were taking some steps forward in you were taking some steps forward in now feels shattered once again? Have you now feels shattered once again? Have you now feels shattered once again? Have you ever felt like it's just a little harder ever felt like it's just a little harder ever felt like it's just a little harder than it should be?

than it should be? than it should be? And so what Revelation 12 does is it And so what Revelation 12 does is it And so what Revelation 12 does is it opens our eyes to potentially see things opens our eyes to potentially see things opens our eyes to potentially see things through a spiritual perspective, through through a spiritual perspective, through through a spiritual perspective, through a spiritual lens that we may see a spiritual lens that we may see a spiritual lens that we may see ultimately what John is hoping to see. ultimately what John is hoping to see. ultimately what John is hoping to see. Now again, remember, Revelation was Now again, remember, Revelation was Now again, remember, Revelation was written to a church that was struggling. written to a church that was struggling. written to a church that was struggling. Uh they were being persecuted. They were Uh they were being persecuted. They were Uh they were being persecuted. They were uh they they were suffering in all kinds uh they they were suffering in all kinds uh they they were suffering in all kinds of different ways. And what's of different ways. And what's of different ways. And what's interesting about, you know, Revelation interesting about, you know, Revelation interesting about, you know, Revelation 12 is is into this struggle that people 12 is is into this struggle that people 12 is is into this struggle that people were experiencing. What what John's were experiencing. What what John's were experiencing. What what John's trying to help them discover is what's trying to help them discover is what's trying to help them discover is what's behind it. What what's the spiritual behind it. What what's the spiritual behind it. What what's the spiritual enemy trying to do underneath it? enemy trying to do underneath it? enemy trying to do underneath it? Because if I can see it from a spiritual Because if I can see it from a spiritual Because if I can see it from a spiritual perspective, it will change how I perspective, it will change how I perspective, it will change how I physically interacted with it right now. physically interacted with it right now. physically interacted with it right now. So, let's dive into the text. Revelation So, let's dive into the text. Revelation So, let's dive into the text. Revelation chapter 12. I warn you, we're going to chapter 12. I warn you, we're going to chapter 12. I warn you, we're going to meet some strange things. You with me? meet some strange things. You with me? meet some strange things. You with me? All right. Let me read the first six All right. Let me read the first six All right. Let me read the first six verses to you. Revelation 12 1-6. It verses to you. Revelation 12 1-6. It verses to you. Revelation 12 1-6. It says this. It says, "A great sign says this. It says, "A great sign says this. It says, "A great sign appeared in heaven. You're going to meet appeared in heaven. You're going to meet appeared in heaven. You're going to meet some characters. Here's the first." A some characters. Here's the first." A some characters. Here's the first." A woman who's clothed with the sun and woman who's clothed with the sun and woman who's clothed with the sun and with the moon under her feet and a crown with the moon under her feet and a crown with the moon under her feet and a crown of 12 stars on her head. Uh she was of 12 stars on her head. Uh she was of 12 stars on her head. Uh she was pregnant. She cried out in pain as she pregnant. She cried out in pain as she pregnant. She cried out in pain as she was about to give birth. And then was about to give birth. And then was about to give birth. And then another sign appeared in heaven. Here's another sign appeared in heaven. Here's another sign appeared in heaven. Here's another character. an enormous red another character. an enormous red another character. an enormous red dragon with seven heads and 10 horns and dragon with seven heads and 10 horns and dragon with seven heads and 10 horns and seven crowns on its head.

His tail swept a third of the stars out His tail swept a third of the stars out of the sky and flung them to earth. The of the sky and flung them to earth. The of the sky and flung them to earth. The dragon stood in front of the woman who dragon stood in front of the woman who dragon stood in front of the woman who was about to give birth so that it might was about to give birth so that it might was about to give birth so that it might devour her child the moment he was born. devour her child the moment he was born. devour her child the moment he was born. She gave birth to here's a third She gave birth to here's a third She gave birth to here's a third character, a son, a male child who will character, a son, a male child who will character, a son, a male child who will rule the nation with an iron scepter. rule the nation with an iron scepter. rule the nation with an iron scepter. and her child was snatched up to God and her child was snatched up to God and her child was snatched up to God into his throne. The woman fled into the into his throne. The woman fled into the into his throne. The woman fled into the wilderness to a place prepared for her wilderness to a place prepared for her wilderness to a place prepared for her by God where she might be taken care of by God where she might be taken care of by God where she might be taken care of for 1260 days. I told you is kind of for 1260 days. I told you is kind of for 1260 days. I told you is kind of some strange things, right? Uh but let's some strange things, right? Uh but let's some strange things, right? Uh but let's not be weirded out by the strange not be weirded out by the strange not be weirded out by the strange images. They all they all mean images. They all they all mean images. They all they all mean something. And so what's John trying to something. And so what's John trying to something. And so what's John trying to communicate to the early church with communicate to the early church with communicate to the early church with these strange details? Let's let's look these strange details? Let's let's look these strange details? Let's let's look at the different characters. And so we at the different characters. And so we at the different characters. And so we find a woman. Who is this woman? Now, find a woman. Who is this woman? Now, find a woman. Who is this woman? Now, notice the details about her. She has uh notice the details about her. She has uh notice the details about her. She has uh the the the sun and the moon, and the the the sun and the moon, and the the the sun and the moon, and there's kind of this uh the these these there's kind of this uh the these these there's kind of this uh the these these these 12 uh these these 12 stars. What's these 12 uh these these 12 stars. What's these 12 uh these these 12 stars. What's interesting about the details is it interesting about the details is it interesting about the details is it causes us to think back to some dreams causes us to think back to some dreams causes us to think back to some dreams that Joseph had in Genesis chapter 37.

that Joseph had in Genesis chapter 37. that Joseph had in Genesis chapter 37. Most scholars suggest that the woman is Most scholars suggest that the woman is Most scholars suggest that the woman is precisely likely the nation of Israel, precisely likely the nation of Israel, precisely likely the nation of Israel, or even more broadly, it's the people of or even more broadly, it's the people of or even more broadly, it's the people of God. Because the nation of Israel was God. Because the nation of Israel was God. Because the nation of Israel was the Israel that God chose to bring the the Israel that God chose to bring the the Israel that God chose to bring the Messiah into the world in order to give Messiah into the world in order to give Messiah into the world in order to give birth to the son. So who's the son? birth to the son. So who's the son? birth to the son. So who's the son? Who the child is? Well, it says that he Who the child is? Well, it says that he Who the child is? Well, it says that he will rule the world with an iron will rule the world with an iron will rule the world with an iron scepter. That's a that's a quote from scepter. That's a that's a quote from scepter. That's a that's a quote from Psalm 29. It's this messianic psalm. The Psalm 29. It's this messianic psalm. The Psalm 29. It's this messianic psalm. The one that God was going to send into the one that God was going to send into the one that God was going to send into the world to save the world that would world to save the world that would world to save the world that would ultimately rule and reign over the whole ultimately rule and reign over the whole ultimately rule and reign over the whole world. This son is Jesus. And so one of world. This son is Jesus. And so one of world. This son is Jesus. And so one of the principles we we had from the very the principles we we had from the very the principles we we had from the very beginning of the book of Revelation is beginning of the book of Revelation is beginning of the book of Revelation is it missed all the symbols and all the it missed all the symbols and all the it missed all the symbols and all the imagery and all the crazy things. Don't imagery and all the crazy things. Don't imagery and all the crazy things. Don't miss Jesus. It's another focal point on miss Jesus. It's another focal point on miss Jesus. It's another focal point on Jesus because Jesus was the child born Jesus because Jesus was the child born Jesus because Jesus was the child born into the world ultimately to save the into the world ultimately to save the into the world ultimately to save the world. But then you meet this crazy this world. But then you meet this crazy this world. But then you meet this crazy this crazy image this dragon. Who in the crazy image this dragon. Who in the crazy image this dragon. Who in the world is the dragon?

world is the dragon? world is the dragon? Now thankfully John doesn't leave us Now thankfully John doesn't leave us Now thankfully John doesn't leave us guessing who the dragon is. actually guessing who the dragon is. actually guessing who the dragon is. actually tells us exactly precisely tells us in tells us exactly precisely tells us in tells us exactly precisely tells us in verse 9 of chapter 12 says that great verse 9 of chapter 12 says that great verse 9 of chapter 12 says that great dragon was hurled down the ancient dragon was hurled down the ancient dragon was hurled down the ancient serpent who was the devil or Satan just serpent who was the devil or Satan just serpent who was the devil or Satan just named him for us who leads the whole named him for us who leads the whole named him for us who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to earth and world astray. He was hurled to earth and world astray. He was hurled to earth and his angels with him. And so it's kind of his angels with him. And so it's kind of his angels with him. And so it's kind of this this image that that John's helping this this image that that John's helping this this image that that John's helping us understand there's more to this world us understand there's more to this world us understand there's more to this world than you see with your eyes. that you than you see with your eyes. that you than you see with your eyes. that you and I, we actually have an enemy. And and I, we actually have an enemy. And and I, we actually have an enemy. And that enemy wants to steal, kill, and that enemy wants to steal, kill, and that enemy wants to steal, kill, and destroy every good thing that God wants destroy every good thing that God wants destroy every good thing that God wants to provide and and give to you in your to provide and and give to you in your to provide and and give to you in your life. We have to see things through a life. We have to see things through a life. We have to see things through a spiritual lens. spiritual lens. spiritual lens. And so, there's a couple of principles And so, there's a couple of principles And so, there's a couple of principles that that Revelation 12 gets at that I that that Revelation 12 gets at that I that that Revelation 12 gets at that I think are so applicable to our lives think are so applicable to our lives think are so applicable to our lives today. Here's the first principle I want today. Here's the first principle I want today. Here's the first principle I want us to lean into. It's simply this. us to lean into. It's simply this. us to lean into. It's simply this. You have a real enemy and that real You have a real enemy and that real You have a real enemy and that real enemy knows your particular weakness.

enemy knows your particular weakness. enemy knows your particular weakness. I think about it like this. Uh some of I think about it like this. Uh some of I think about it like this. Uh some of you who know me well, you know that my you who know me well, you know that my you who know me well, you know that my oldest son, he's almost 19. He loves to oldest son, he's almost 19. He loves to oldest son, he's almost 19. He loves to fish. Like loves to fish. And he's fish. Like loves to fish. And he's fish. Like loves to fish. And he's ridiculously good at it. Uh every now ridiculously good at it. Uh every now ridiculously good at it. Uh every now and then, uh Levi and I will go fishing. and then, uh Levi and I will go fishing. and then, uh Levi and I will go fishing. Uh Levi catches I mean dozens of fish. I Uh Levi catches I mean dozens of fish. I Uh Levi catches I mean dozens of fish. I may get a bite every now and then. uh may get a bite every now and then. uh may get a bite every now and then. uh but I don't notice it so I don't ever but I don't notice it so I don't ever but I don't notice it so I don't ever reel anything in. But Levi's he's reel anything in. But Levi's he's reel anything in. But Levi's he's masterful and part of the reason he's masterful and part of the reason he's masterful and part of the reason he's masterful is he's learned how to masterful is he's learned how to masterful is he's learned how to understand the patterns of fish and he understand the patterns of fish and he understand the patterns of fish and he knows what the different types of knows what the different types of knows what the different types of climate will do and what time of day it climate will do and what time of day it climate will do and what time of day it is and what kind of bait or lure to use is and what kind of bait or lure to use is and what kind of bait or lure to use in order to really uh uh uh catch in order to really uh uh uh catch in order to really uh uh uh catch whatever he's going after. He he talks whatever he's going after. He he talks whatever he's going after. He he talks to me about different kinds of bait. I to me about different kinds of bait. I to me about different kinds of bait. I had to write this down because I don't had to write this down because I don't had to write this down because I don't even fully understand. He says, he's even fully understand. He says, he's even fully understand. He says, he's like, "Dad, there's there's crankbait." like, "Dad, there's there's crankbait." like, "Dad, there's there's crankbait." And here's a crankbait. It's a lure that And here's a crankbait. It's a lure that And here's a crankbait. It's a lure that actually goes down into the water. It actually goes down into the water. It actually goes down into the water. It disguises itself. It it it it deceives disguises itself. It it it it deceives disguises itself. It it it it deceives the fish into thinking it's this the the fish into thinking it's this the the fish into thinking it's this the kind of fish that they want to eat.

kind of fish that they want to eat. kind of fish that they want to eat. There is a whopper popper. There is a whopper popper. There is a whopper popper. I kind of like that one. That it floats I kind of like that one. That it floats I kind of like that one. That it floats on the surface and so it looks like on the surface and so it looks like on the surface and so it looks like something that's floating on the surface something that's floating on the surface something that's floating on the surface that the fish may want to to eat. that the fish may want to to eat. that the fish may want to to eat. There's also something called a simco. There's also something called a simco. There's also something called a simco. It looks a little bit more like a a worm It looks a little bit more like a a worm It looks a little bit more like a a worm that that kind of dives down in. And so that that kind of dives down in. And so that that kind of dives down in. And so he uses different baits at different he uses different baits at different he uses different baits at different times in different conditions to catch times in different conditions to catch times in different conditions to catch different fish, but he knows enough different fish, but he knows enough different fish, but he knows enough about the behavioral patterns that he about the behavioral patterns that he about the behavioral patterns that he knows what to use and when to use it at knows what to use and when to use it at knows what to use and when to use it at the right time. I think in many ways you the right time. I think in many ways you the right time. I think in many ways you and I have an enemy who's a strategist and I have an enemy who's a strategist and I have an enemy who's a strategist that he knows your vulnerability. He that he knows your vulnerability. He that he knows your vulnerability. He knows your weakness. knows your weakness. knows your weakness. He knows what you turn to to numb the He knows what you turn to to numb the He knows what you turn to to numb the pain when life gets a little hard. pain when life gets a little hard. pain when life gets a little hard. He knows He knows He knows what your reactions are to a what your reactions are to a what your reactions are to a relationship that feels broken. relationship that feels broken. relationship that feels broken. He knows how to wedge himself He knows how to wedge himself He knows how to wedge himself in between you and somebody that you in between you and somebody that you in between you and somebody that you deeply care about.

deeply care about. deeply care about. He doesn't use the same strategy on He doesn't use the same strategy on He doesn't use the same strategy on every single person because all of our every single person because all of our every single person because all of our vulnerabilities are slightly different. vulnerabilities are slightly different. vulnerabilities are slightly different. And so he actually knows your unique And so he actually knows your unique And so he actually knows your unique patterns, your unique vulnerabilities, patterns, your unique vulnerabilities, patterns, your unique vulnerabilities, and he wants to do everything that he and he wants to do everything that he and he wants to do everything that he can to expose those to steal and kill can to expose those to steal and kill can to expose those to steal and kill and destroy every good thing that God and destroy every good thing that God and destroy every good thing that God wants to bring into your life. But wants to bring into your life. But wants to bring into your life. But here's the good news. The reason why God here's the good news. The reason why God here's the good news. The reason why God gave us Revelation 12 is that we would gave us Revelation 12 is that we would gave us Revelation 12 is that we would not be unaware, nor would we be not be unaware, nor would we be not be unaware, nor would we be unequipped. unequipped. unequipped. that the God has not left us unaware or that the God has not left us unaware or that the God has not left us unaware or unequipped because if we can understand unequipped because if we can understand unequipped because if we can understand the schemes of the enemy, we can better the schemes of the enemy, we can better the schemes of the enemy, we can better stand against the schemes of the enemy. stand against the schemes of the enemy. stand against the schemes of the enemy. And so, what's interesting about And so, what's interesting about And so, what's interesting about Revelation 12, if you start diving in Revelation 12, if you start diving in Revelation 12, if you start diving in and and seeing that in the context of and and seeing that in the context of and and seeing that in the context of all of scripture, you understand that all of scripture, you understand that all of scripture, you understand that the enemy really uses three primary the enemy really uses three primary the enemy really uses three primary strategies. And if we can understand his strategies. And if we can understand his strategies. And if we can understand his strategies, we're less susceptible to strategies, we're less susceptible to strategies, we're less susceptible to fall to the deception that he will bring fall to the deception that he will bring fall to the deception that he will bring our way. So, let me talk through these our way. So, let me talk through these our way. So, let me talk through these different strategies. Strategy one I different strategies. Strategy one I different strategies. Strategy one I would call deception and temptation. Uh would call deception and temptation. Uh would call deception and temptation. Uh you actually see it in the text. It says you actually see it in the text. It says you actually see it in the text. It says in the great dragon was thrown down that in the great dragon was thrown down that in the great dragon was thrown down that ancient serpent who's called the devil ancient serpent who's called the devil ancient serpent who's called the devil and Satan. He is the what? He's the and Satan. He is the what? He's the and Satan. He is the what? He's the deceiver of the whole. It's actually one deceiver of the whole. It's actually one deceiver of the whole. It's actually one of the names of it. The enemy in of the names of it. The enemy in of the names of it. The enemy in scripture is he is the deceiver. He scripture is he is the deceiver. He scripture is he is the deceiver. He makes stuff appear to be something that makes stuff appear to be something that makes stuff appear to be something that they're actually not. I would say he they're actually not. I would say he they're actually not. I would say he actually couples two things together and actually couples two things together and actually couples two things together and that is belief and desire that is belief and desire that is belief and desire because coupled together they're because coupled together they're because coupled together they're actually a more powerful weapon and

actually a more powerful weapon and actually a more powerful weapon and strategy than either would be alone. And strategy than either would be alone. And strategy than either would be alone. And it's his oldest strategy in the book. it's his oldest strategy in the book. it's his oldest strategy in the book. Not only do you see it in Genesis, I'm Not only do you see it in Genesis, I'm Not only do you see it in Genesis, I'm sorry, in in in Revelation 12, you see sorry, in in in Revelation 12, you see sorry, in in in Revelation 12, you see it all the way back in the third chapter it all the way back in the third chapter it all the way back in the third chapter of the Bible, Genesis 3. First time you of the Bible, Genesis 3. First time you of the Bible, Genesis 3. First time you see uh the enemy in scripture, Genesis see uh the enemy in scripture, Genesis see uh the enemy in scripture, Genesis chapter 3. And this was the tactic that chapter 3. And this was the tactic that chapter 3. And this was the tactic that he was using. Let me take you back he was using. Let me take you back he was using. Let me take you back Genesis chapter 3 uh read verse 1. It Genesis chapter 3 uh read verse 1. It Genesis chapter 3 uh read verse 1. It says, "Now the serpent was more crafty says, "Now the serpent was more crafty says, "Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord than any of the wild animals the Lord than any of the wild animals the Lord has made." So the dragon in Revelation has made." So the dragon in Revelation has made." So the dragon in Revelation 12 is the serpent in in in Genesis 12 is the serpent in in in Genesis 12 is the serpent in in in Genesis chapter 3. And look what he says. He chapter 3. And look what he says. He chapter 3. And look what he says. He said to the woman, "Did God really say said to the woman, "Did God really say said to the woman, "Did God really say you must not eat from the tree of the you must not eat from the tree of the you must not eat from the tree of the garden?" And then verse six says, 'When garden?" And then verse six says, 'When garden?" And then verse six says, 'When the woman saw the fruit of the tree was the woman saw the fruit of the tree was the woman saw the fruit of the tree was good for food and for pleasing the eye good for food and for pleasing the eye good for food and for pleasing the eye and also for desirable for gaining and also for desirable for gaining and also for desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some of it. She ate it wisdom, she took some of it. She ate it wisdom, she took some of it. She ate it and she also gave the some to her and she also gave the some to her and she also gave the some to her husband. And so he couples belief with husband. And so he couples belief with husband. And so he couples belief with desire.

desire. desire. Here's how this plays out for you and I. Here's how this plays out for you and I. Here's how this plays out for you and I. Sometimes there's this voice in our Sometimes there's this voice in our Sometimes there's this voice in our heads that calls us to question the heads that calls us to question the heads that calls us to question the things that God has told us to be true. things that God has told us to be true. things that God has told us to be true. We're like, "Did God really say that?" We're like, "Did God really say that?" We're like, "Did God really say that?" I mean, did God really mean that? I mean, did God really mean that? I mean, did God really mean that? Because we want to tell ourselves, Because we want to tell ourselves, Because we want to tell ourselves, "Well, doesn't God just want me to be "Well, doesn't God just want me to be "Well, doesn't God just want me to be happy?" happy?" happy?" I mean, did God really say that sex was I mean, did God really say that sex was I mean, did God really say that sex was designed between one man, one woman in designed between one man, one woman in designed between one man, one woman in the context of marriage? That feels so the context of marriage? That feels so the context of marriage? That feels so outdated, doesn't it? outdated, doesn't it? outdated, doesn't it? I mean, did God did God really say you I mean, did God did God really say you I mean, did God did God really say you had to forgive the person who wronged had to forgive the person who wronged had to forgive the person who wronged you so significantly? I mean, did God you so significantly? I mean, did God you so significantly? I mean, did God did God really say that? did God really say that? did God really say that? And so, what the enemy will want to do And so, what the enemy will want to do And so, what the enemy will want to do is to try to cause you to question the is to try to cause you to question the is to try to cause you to question the things that God has already said to be things that God has already said to be things that God has already said to be true. But then couple that with true. But then couple that with true. But then couple that with something that we find to be desirable. something that we find to be desirable. something that we find to be desirable. Because there's this deep longing in all Because there's this deep longing in all Because there's this deep longing in all of us that we want to we want to belong.

of us that we want to we want to belong. of us that we want to we want to belong. We want to live a life of of meaning. We We want to live a life of of meaning. We We want to live a life of of meaning. We want to have significance. want to have significance. want to have significance. And sometimes he'll put a crankbait in And sometimes he'll put a crankbait in And sometimes he'll put a crankbait in front of us that appears as though this front of us that appears as though this front of us that appears as though this thing might deliver the thing that we thing might deliver the thing that we thing might deliver the thing that we hope through, but we can't see the hook hope through, but we can't see the hook hope through, but we can't see the hook that's inside will actually take us that's inside will actually take us that's inside will actually take us where we never intended to go. where we never intended to go. where we never intended to go. But when he gets us to question the But when he gets us to question the But when he gets us to question the truth of God truth of God truth of God and buy into something that's actually a and buy into something that's actually a and buy into something that's actually a lie, it's one of the greatest tactics of lie, it's one of the greatest tactics of lie, it's one of the greatest tactics of the enemy. But again, God has not left the enemy. But again, God has not left the enemy. But again, God has not left us unaware, nor has he left us us unaware, nor has he left us us unaware, nor has he left us unequipped. We've got to be aware of unequipped. We've got to be aware of unequipped. We've got to be aware of that strategy here. Here's another that strategy here. Here's another that strategy here. Here's another strategy that the enemy uses. Uh strategy that the enemy uses. Uh strategy that the enemy uses. Uh strategy two is intimidation. Uh look, strategy two is intimidation. Uh look, strategy two is intimidation. Uh look, look what it says. I think we already look what it says. I think we already look what it says. I think we already read these verses, verse three and four. read these verses, verse three and four. read these verses, verse three and four. This is this other uh sign appeared in This is this other uh sign appeared in This is this other uh sign appeared in heaven. this enormous red dragon with heaven. this enormous red dragon with heaven. this enormous red dragon with seven heads and 10 horns and seven seven heads and 10 horns and seven seven heads and 10 horns and seven crowns on its heads. I mean, just the crowns on its heads. I mean, just the crowns on its heads. I mean, just the description feels intimidating, doesn't description feels intimidating, doesn't description feels intimidating, doesn't it? I mean, this dragon with lots of it? I mean, this dragon with lots of it? I mean, this dragon with lots of heads and lots of horns and lots of heads and lots of horns and lots of heads and lots of horns and lots of crown. I mean, just just a sight of that crown. I mean, just just a sight of that crown. I mean, just just a sight of that gives you a little bit of fear, doesn't gives you a little bit of fear, doesn't gives you a little bit of fear, doesn't it? And then it says that this tail was it? And then it says that this tail was it? And then it says that this tail was so strong it swept out a third of the so strong it swept out a third of the so strong it swept out a third of the stars the sky and and flung them to the stars the sky and and flung them to the stars the sky and and flung them to the earth. But then look what he does. The earth. But then look what he does. The earth. But then look what he does. The dragon stood in front of the woman who dragon stood in front of the woman who dragon stood in front of the woman who was about to give birth so that it might was about to give birth so that it might was about to give birth so that it might devour the child the moment it was born.

devour the child the moment it was born. devour the child the moment it was born. Now that's a reference if you remember Now that's a reference if you remember Now that's a reference if you remember the Christmas story when the Christ the Christmas story when the Christ the Christmas story when the Christ child came into the world and remember child came into the world and remember child came into the world and remember Herod tried to take the lives of all the Herod tried to take the lives of all the Herod tried to take the lives of all the babies under the age of two years old, babies under the age of two years old, babies under the age of two years old, right? right? right? What's behind that? There was a What's behind that? There was a What's behind that? There was a spiritual reality behind that. spiritual reality behind that. spiritual reality behind that. But these are all tactics of But these are all tactics of But these are all tactics of intimidation. intimidation. intimidation. Why does the enemy use intimidation? Why does the enemy use intimidation? Why does the enemy use intimidation? Because if he looks strong, if he looks Because if he looks strong, if he looks Because if he looks strong, if he looks powerful, if you believe that to be powerful, if you believe that to be powerful, if you believe that to be true, then you're less likely to put up true, then you're less likely to put up true, then you're less likely to put up any kind of resistance to it, feeling any kind of resistance to it, feeling any kind of resistance to it, feeling like you're already defeated. like you're already defeated. like you're already defeated. It it causes us to actually throw in the It it causes us to actually throw in the It it causes us to actually throw in the towel, to give up, to to to even work towel, to give up, to to to even work towel, to give up, to to to even work toward persevering through whatever the toward persevering through whatever the toward persevering through whatever the thing is that that we are are facing in thing is that that we are are facing in thing is that that we are are facing in the moment. And here's the reality. The the moment. And here's the reality. The the moment. And here's the reality. The enemy doesn't have to defeat you if he enemy doesn't have to defeat you if he enemy doesn't have to defeat you if he can just talk you in to giving up. I think often I think often people actually give up right before the people actually give up right before the people actually give up right before the breakthrough opportunity.

breakthrough opportunity. breakthrough opportunity. I mean, again, look at the the the text I mean, again, look at the the the text I mean, again, look at the the the text that the dragon standing in front of the that the dragon standing in front of the that the dragon standing in front of the woman at the moment of birth. It's like woman at the moment of birth. It's like woman at the moment of birth. It's like this incredibly vulnerable moment. this incredibly vulnerable moment. this incredibly vulnerable moment. But it was also the moment of the But it was also the moment of the But it was also the moment of the greatest opportunity and breakthrough. greatest opportunity and breakthrough. greatest opportunity and breakthrough. I think what the enemy attempts to do is I think what the enemy attempts to do is I think what the enemy attempts to do is to convince you and I that it's just too to convince you and I that it's just too to convince you and I that it's just too hard. It's just too difficult. We can't hard. It's just too difficult. We can't hard. It's just too difficult. We can't do it. It's not possible. We're we're do it. It's not possible. We're we're do it. It's not possible. We're we're we're not strong enough. We're not we're not strong enough. We're not we're not strong enough. We're not powerful enough. We might as well just powerful enough. We might as well just powerful enough. We might as well just give up. give up. give up. And so we give up on our marriage. We And so we give up on our marriage. We And so we give up on our marriage. We give up on a dream that God has put in give up on a dream that God has put in give up on a dream that God has put in our heart. uh we give up on whatever the our heart. uh we give up on whatever the our heart. uh we give up on whatever the opportunity might have been. The the opportunity might have been. The the opportunity might have been. The the enemy doesn't have to take you out enemy doesn't have to take you out enemy doesn't have to take you out if you actually take yourself out of the if you actually take yourself out of the if you actually take yourself out of the equation. equation. equation. That's why Paul reminds us in the book That's why Paul reminds us in the book That's why Paul reminds us in the book of Galatians to never stop doing good of Galatians to never stop doing good of Galatians to never stop doing good because in the right time he'll bring because in the right time he'll bring because in the right time he'll bring the harvest if you don't give up.

the harvest if you don't give up. the harvest if you don't give up. And so, Revelation 12 helps us be And so, Revelation 12 helps us be And so, Revelation 12 helps us be reminded that we don't have to be reminded that we don't have to be reminded that we don't have to be unaware nor unprepared of these unaware nor unprepared of these unaware nor unprepared of these strategies of the enemy. And so, again, strategies of the enemy. And so, again, strategies of the enemy. And so, again, he uses deception. He uses intimidation. he uses deception. He uses intimidation. he uses deception. He uses intimidation. I'd say he also uses accusation. Again, I'd say he also uses accusation. Again, I'd say he also uses accusation. Again, this name shows up in Revelation 12. It this name shows up in Revelation 12. It this name shows up in Revelation 12. It says, "And I heard a loud voice in says, "And I heard a loud voice in says, "And I heard a loud voice in heaven saying, "Now salvation and the heaven saying, "Now salvation and the heaven saying, "Now salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the power and the kingdom of our God and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of Christ has come for the authority of Christ has come for the authority of Christ has come for the for the accuser." It's another name of for the accuser." It's another name of for the accuser." It's another name of the enemy that he's one who accuses us. the enemy that he's one who accuses us. the enemy that he's one who accuses us. And so kind of picture it like a And so kind of picture it like a And so kind of picture it like a courtroom scene. And imagine you're courtroom scene. And imagine you're courtroom scene. And imagine you're there and imagine the the the there and imagine the the the there and imagine the the the prosecuting attorney has every wrong prosecuting attorney has every wrong prosecuting attorney has every wrong thing that you've ever done in the thing that you've ever done in the thing that you've ever done in the history of your entire life and he's history of your entire life and he's history of your entire life and he's there to to stick you for every single there to to stick you for every single there to to stick you for every single thing that you've ever done. You're thing that you've ever done. You're thing that you've ever done. You're like, "That's a pretty intimidating like, "That's a pretty intimidating like, "That's a pretty intimidating environment. That's not going to go very environment. That's not going to go very environment. That's not going to go very well for me." Because what the enemy well for me." Because what the enemy well for me." Because what the enemy wants to do is he wants to bring up wants to do is he wants to bring up wants to do is he wants to bring up every past mistake that you've ever every past mistake that you've ever every past mistake that you've ever done, every wrong thing that's ever been done, every wrong thing that's ever been done, every wrong thing that's ever been a part of your life, every failure a part of your life, every failure a part of your life, every failure you've ever made, and bring it to the you've ever made, and bring it to the you've ever made, and bring it to the light so that he weaponizes it against light so that he weaponizes it against light so that he weaponizes it against you. I will say this, there's a you. I will say this, there's a you. I will say this, there's a difference between the guilt we difference between the guilt we difference between the guilt we sometimes feel and the shame we sometimes feel and the shame we sometimes feel and the shame we sometimes feel. Guilt is when we feel sometimes feel. Guilt is when we feel sometimes feel. Guilt is when we feel bad because we've done something wrong.

bad because we've done something wrong. bad because we've done something wrong. Shame is when we feel bad because we Shame is when we feel bad because we Shame is when we feel bad because we believe that we are wrong. believe that we are wrong. believe that we are wrong. There's a difference between making a There's a difference between making a There's a difference between making a mistake and feeling like we are a mistake and feeling like we are a mistake and feeling like we are a mistake. There's a difference between mistake. There's a difference between mistake. There's a difference between like failing like failing like failing and feeling like we are a failure. and feeling like we are a failure. and feeling like we are a failure. What the Holy Spirit wants to do in your What the Holy Spirit wants to do in your What the Holy Spirit wants to do in your life is to bring the wrong out into the life is to bring the wrong out into the life is to bring the wrong out into the light so that God can bring healing. light so that God can bring healing. light so that God can bring healing. What the enemy wants to do is to bring What the enemy wants to do is to bring What the enemy wants to do is to bring the light the wrong out into the light the light the wrong out into the light the light the wrong out into the light and to weaponize it against you. and to weaponize it against you. and to weaponize it against you. And so the question becomes when it when And so the question becomes when it when And so the question becomes when it when it comes to the things that we've done, it comes to the things that we've done, it comes to the things that we've done, our not so proud moments in life, which our not so proud moments in life, which our not so proud moments in life, which voice do we listen to most? voice do we listen to most? voice do we listen to most? Maybe I would say it this way. Uh the Maybe I would say it this way. Uh the Maybe I would say it this way. Uh the the enemy says you're a failure, but God the enemy says you're a failure, but God the enemy says you're a failure, but God says you're redeemed. The enemy says says you're redeemed. The enemy says says you're redeemed. The enemy says you're nothing more than an addict, but you're nothing more than an addict, but you're nothing more than an addict, but God says that you're delivered. The God says that you're delivered. The God says that you're delivered. The enemy says that you're unworthy, but God enemy says that you're unworthy, but God enemy says that you're unworthy, but God calls you beloved. I would say this, the calls you beloved. I would say this, the calls you beloved. I would say this, the enemy tries to name you, but God is in enemy tries to name you, but God is in enemy tries to name you, but God is in the business of renaming you.

That the enemy wants to use accusation That the enemy wants to use accusation as a weapon. For some of us, there's a as a weapon. For some of us, there's a as a weapon. For some of us, there's a soundtrack playing in our minds all the soundtrack playing in our minds all the soundtrack playing in our minds all the time that you're not good enough, you're time that you're not good enough, you're time that you're not good enough, you're not worthy enough, you're not smart not worthy enough, you're not smart not worthy enough, you're not smart enough, you're not capable enough. We enough, you're not capable enough. We enough, you're not capable enough. We let the accusations of the enemy be the let the accusations of the enemy be the let the accusations of the enemy be the driving soundtrack that we listen to driving soundtrack that we listen to driving soundtrack that we listen to most. It's just not what God says about you. It's just not what God says about you. It's just not the truth at all. It's just not the truth at all. It's just not the truth at all. Is what Revelation 12 helps us Is what Revelation 12 helps us Is what Revelation 12 helps us understand is there's more to this understand is there's more to this understand is there's more to this world, to this life, than you can see world, to this life, than you can see world, to this life, than you can see with your eyes. There's there's with your eyes. There's there's with your eyes. There's there's spiritual realities that you and I are a spiritual realities that you and I are a spiritual realities that you and I are a part of. And how do we recognize the part of. And how do we recognize the part of. And how do we recognize the tactics of the enemy so that the enemy tactics of the enemy so that the enemy tactics of the enemy so that the enemy doesn't actually take us out? Because doesn't actually take us out? Because doesn't actually take us out? Because here's what I would say is the second here's what I would say is the second here's what I would say is the second principle that's so important for us. principle that's so important for us. principle that's so important for us. I'd say this. The battle is real, but I'd say this. The battle is real, but I'd say this. The battle is real, but it's already been decided. it's already been decided. it's already been decided. It's real. It's real. It's real. It happens, It happens, It happens, but it's already decided. Here's what's but it's already decided. Here's what's but it's already decided. Here's what's fascinating. Revelation 12, it does talk fascinating. Revelation 12, it does talk fascinating. Revelation 12, it does talk about a dragon, but I want you to know about a dragon, but I want you to know about a dragon, but I want you to know this. It's not about the dragon. He's this. It's not about the dragon. He's this. It's not about the dragon. He's not the main character of the story.

not the main character of the story. not the main character of the story. He's not the one that's most powerful. He's not the one that's most powerful. He's not the one that's most powerful. Chapter 12 is not about the dragon. Can Chapter 12 is not about the dragon. Can Chapter 12 is not about the dragon. Can I tell you who it is about? Check this I tell you who it is about? Check this I tell you who it is about? Check this out. Next verse. Then war broke out in out. Next verse. Then war broke out in out. Next verse. Then war broke out in heaven. Michael and his angels fought heaven. Michael and his angels fought heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon and the dragon fought against the dragon and the dragon fought against the dragon and the dragon fought and his angels fought back. But look and his angels fought back. But look and his angels fought back. But look what it says. But he was not strong what it says. But he was not strong what it says. But he was not strong enough. enough. enough. Sometimes we think that the enemy has Sometimes we think that the enemy has Sometimes we think that the enemy has all this power. YOU'LL HEAR PEOPLE TALK all this power. YOU'LL HEAR PEOPLE TALK all this power. YOU'LL HEAR PEOPLE TALK ABOUT, "WELL, SATAN MADE me do it." I'm ABOUT, "WELL, SATAN MADE me do it." I'm ABOUT, "WELL, SATAN MADE me do it." I'm not minimizing the power and the not minimizing the power and the not minimizing the power and the destructive nature that he has in the destructive nature that he has in the destructive nature that he has in the world. But I'll tell you this, when it world. But I'll tell you this, when it world. But I'll tell you this, when it comes to the power of our God, it says, comes to the power of our God, it says, comes to the power of our God, it says, "But he was not strong enough and they "But he was not strong enough and they "But he was not strong enough and they lost their place in heaven." It says, "The great dragon was hurled It says, "The great dragon was hurled down. That ancient serpent called the down. That ancient serpent called the down. That ancient serpent called the devil or Satan who leads the whole world devil or Satan who leads the whole world devil or Satan who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to earth, his astray. He was hurled to earth, his astray. He was hurled to earth, his angels with him." And then check this angels with him." And then check this angels with him." And then check this out. This is where it gets good. You out. This is where it gets good. You out. This is where it gets good. You ready for this? He says, "Then I heard ready for this? He says, "Then I heard ready for this? He says, "Then I heard in a loud voice in heaven saying, now in a loud voice in heaven saying, now in a loud voice in heaven saying, now now the salvation and the power and the now the salvation and the power and the now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of kingdom of our God and the authority of kingdom of our God and the authority of of his Christ have come. For the accuser of his Christ have come. For the accuser of his Christ have come. For the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down."

of our brothers has been thrown down." of our brothers has been thrown down." Can I get an amen? The whole point of Revelation 12 is not The whole point of Revelation 12 is not the dragon. the dragon. the dragon. It's actually about the defeat of the It's actually about the defeat of the It's actually about the defeat of the dragon. dragon. dragon. He doesn't win. He doesn't win. He doesn't win. The battles may be ongoing, The battles may be ongoing, The battles may be ongoing, but the war has been decided. but the war has been decided. but the war has been decided. It kind of makes me think about June the It kind of makes me think about June the It kind of makes me think about June the 6th, 1944. 6th, 1944. 6th, 1944. Some of you familiar from your history Some of you familiar from your history Some of you familiar from your history class, that is class, that is class, that is D-Day. That's the day that the Allied D-Day. That's the day that the Allied D-Day. That's the day that the Allied forces stormed the beaches of of forces stormed the beaches of of forces stormed the beaches of of Normandy, France. Normandy, France. Normandy, France. And though it was a bloody battle that And though it was a bloody battle that And though it was a bloody battle that cost a lot of lives of the Allied cost a lot of lives of the Allied cost a lot of lives of the Allied forces, every military strategist will forces, every military strategist will forces, every military strategist will tell you that was the day that the war tell you that was the day that the war tell you that was the day that the war was actually won. Now, there were other was actually won. Now, there were other was actually won. Now, there were other battles that followed. There were other battles that followed. There were other battles that followed. There were other lives that were lost, but it was only a lives that were lost, but it was only a lives that were lost, but it was only a matter of time before victory was matter of time before victory was matter of time before victory was actually certain. The same is true actually certain. The same is true actually certain. The same is true spiritually.

spiritually. spiritually. that that though the battle still is that that though the battle still is that that though the battle still is ongoing, though you and I are still a ongoing, though you and I are still a ongoing, though you and I are still a part of what the Bible describes as what part of what the Bible describes as what part of what the Bible describes as what we would call spiritual warfare, it's we would call spiritual warfare, it's we would call spiritual warfare, it's real, real, real, but he doesn't win but he doesn't win but he doesn't win because of Jesus. It says salvation and because of Jesus. It says salvation and because of Jesus. It says salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the power and the kingdom of our God and the power and the kingdom of our God and authority of Christ have come. authority of Christ have come. authority of Christ have come. D-Day has happened. D-Day has happened. D-Day has happened. It's a matter of time because they've It's a matter of time because they've It's a matter of time because they've already won the war. already won the war. already won the war. And so here's the good news for you and And so here's the good news for you and And so here's the good news for you and I. We don't fight for victory. I. We don't fight for victory. I. We don't fight for victory. Because if you fight for victory, that Because if you fight for victory, that Because if you fight for victory, that would give kind of the sense that it's would give kind of the sense that it's would give kind of the sense that it's uncertain whether we're going to win or uncertain whether we're going to win or uncertain whether we're going to win or not. You don't fight for victory. You not. You don't fight for victory. You not. You don't fight for victory. You fight from victory. fight from victory. fight from victory. Victory's already been decided. Victory's already been decided. Victory's already been decided. And so those who give their lives to And so those who give their lives to And so those who give their lives to follow Jesus, you're not unaware. We follow Jesus, you're not unaware. We follow Jesus, you're not unaware. We have to be aware of the schemes of the have to be aware of the schemes of the have to be aware of the schemes of the enemy. But you're also not left enemy. But you're also not left enemy. But you're also not left powerless because you get to fight from powerless because you get to fight from powerless because you get to fight from victory. That you actually can be victory. That you actually can be victory. That you actually can be somebody who overcomes because your somebody who overcomes because your somebody who overcomes because your life's connected to the ultimate one who life's connected to the ultimate one who life's connected to the ultimate one who has already overcome on our behalf. And has already overcome on our behalf. And has already overcome on our behalf. And so I would say this about this so I would say this about this so I would say this about this principle. We don't fight empty-handed.

principle. We don't fight empty-handed. principle. We don't fight empty-handed. Certainly, we're a part of a spiritual Certainly, we're a part of a spiritual Certainly, we're a part of a spiritual battle, but you and I, we don't fight battle, but you and I, we don't fight battle, but you and I, we don't fight empty-handed. I love this verse. empty-handed. I love this verse. empty-handed. I love this verse. Revelation 12, I believe it's verse 11, Revelation 12, I believe it's verse 11, Revelation 12, I believe it's verse 11, says this. It says they, this is you and says this. It says they, this is you and says this. It says they, this is you and I, because Revelation 12 also talks I, because Revelation 12 also talks I, because Revelation 12 also talks about this these offspring that come and about this these offspring that come and about this these offspring that come and you and I are those offspring. It says you and I are those offspring. It says you and I are those offspring. It says they triumphed over him, meaning the the they triumphed over him, meaning the the they triumphed over him, meaning the the dragon. They triumphed over him by what? dragon. They triumphed over him by what? dragon. They triumphed over him by what? By the blood of the lamb and by the word By the blood of the lamb and by the word By the blood of the lamb and by the word of their testimony. They did not love of their testimony. They did not love of their testimony. They did not love their lives so much as to shrink from their lives so much as to shrink from their lives so much as to shrink from death. Do you remember I shared with you death. Do you remember I shared with you death. Do you remember I shared with you there were three strategies of the there were three strategies of the there were three strategies of the enemy? enemy? enemy? There are also three weapons in the There are also three weapons in the There are also three weapons in the hands of the follower of Jesus that hands of the follower of Jesus that hands of the follower of Jesus that actually have a way of dismantling the actually have a way of dismantling the actually have a way of dismantling the power of the strategy of the enemy. I power of the strategy of the enemy. I power of the strategy of the enemy. I would say this, the enemy is powerful, would say this, the enemy is powerful, would say this, the enemy is powerful, but the only power he really has is the but the only power he really has is the but the only power he really has is the power that you and I give him. power that you and I give him. power that you and I give him. Because of the part the power that you Because of the part the power that you Because of the part the power that you and I give him, he actually is powerless and I give him, he actually is powerless and I give him, he actually is powerless over us. So, do you remember the over us. So, do you remember the over us. So, do you remember the strategies I talked about that that he's strategies I talked about that that he's strategies I talked about that that he's got the the strategy of of deception and got the the strategy of of deception and got the the strategy of of deception and temptation, one of intimidation, one of temptation, one of intimidation, one of temptation, one of intimidation, one of accusation? Let's go through the three accusation? Let's go through the three accusation? Let's go through the three of those through the lens of the weapons of those through the lens of the weapons of those through the lens of the weapons of of Revelation 12:11 that each one of of of Revelation 12:11 that each one of of of Revelation 12:11 that each one of the strategies is dismantled by a the strategies is dismantled by a the strategies is dismantled by a spiritual weapon if you choose to step spiritual weapon if you choose to step spiritual weapon if you choose to step into it. I would say this as far as the into it. I would say this as far as the into it. I would say this as far as the first weapon. First weapon is they first weapon. First weapon is they first weapon. First weapon is they trusted Christ because because look trusted Christ because because look trusted Christ because because look where the victory comes. It comes from

where the victory comes. It comes from where the victory comes. It comes from where? We're a little sleepy this morning, We're a little sleepy this morning, aren't we? It's all right. I got a lot aren't we? It's all right. I got a lot aren't we? It's all right. I got a lot of grace. I'll give you another try. of grace. I'll give you another try. of grace. I'll give you another try. They trusted Christ because where's the They trusted Christ because where's the They trusted Christ because where's the victory? The victory is in what? victory? The victory is in what? victory? The victory is in what? >> The blood of the lamb. In other words, >> The blood of the lamb. In other words, >> The blood of the lamb. In other words, it was actually through the cross of it was actually through the cross of it was actually through the cross of Jesus Christ that actually sealed the Jesus Christ that actually sealed the Jesus Christ that actually sealed the victory forever that gives us the power victory forever that gives us the power victory forever that gives us the power to stand against his accusation. to stand against his accusation. to stand against his accusation. Think about it this way. Go back to that Think about it this way. Go back to that Think about it this way. Go back to that courtroom scene where he takes every courtroom scene where he takes every courtroom scene where he takes every wrong thing that we've ever done in wrong thing that we've ever done in wrong thing that we've ever done in life, our greatest failures, the moment, life, our greatest failures, the moment, life, our greatest failures, the moment, he brings the light in order to he brings the light in order to he brings the light in order to weaponize them against us. Think about weaponize them against us. Think about weaponize them against us. Think about the the enemy as that prosecuting the the enemy as that prosecuting the the enemy as that prosecuting attorney that's got a pretty impressive attorney that's got a pretty impressive attorney that's got a pretty impressive case against you. But because the the case against you. But because the the case against you. But because the the cross of Jesus Christ, our defense cross of Jesus Christ, our defense cross of Jesus Christ, our defense attorney steps in. And not only does he attorney steps in. And not only does he attorney steps in. And not only does he have a case to defend us, the reason he have a case to defend us, the reason he have a case to defend us, the reason he has a case to defend us is because the has a case to defend us is because the has a case to defend us is because the full penalty for that sin has already full penalty for that sin has already full penalty for that sin has already been paid by himself. It was actually been paid by himself. It was actually been paid by himself. It was actually through his sacrifice. It was actually through his sacrifice. It was actually through his sacrifice. It was actually through his blood that the sin no longer through his blood that the sin no longer through his blood that the sin no longer has the power because he's already paid has the power because he's already paid has the power because he's already paid the penalty.

the penalty. the penalty. There is no accusation that can stick There is no accusation that can stick There is no accusation that can stick because you've already been set free because you've already been set free because you've already been set free from it. from it. from it. Don't let the enemy weaponize your past. Don't let the enemy weaponize your past. Don't let the enemy weaponize your past. Don't let the enemy weaponize your Don't let the enemy weaponize your Don't let the enemy weaponize your greatest mistake. greatest mistake. greatest mistake. He only has power if you give him the He only has power if you give him the He only has power if you give him the power of accusation because your great power of accusation because your great power of accusation because your great God has actually set you free from it. God has actually set you free from it. God has actually set you free from it. That's weapon number one. Here's weapon That's weapon number one. Here's weapon That's weapon number one. Here's weapon number two. They spoke truth. Now, number two. They spoke truth. Now, number two. They spoke truth. Now, notice they spoke truth. They did. So, notice they spoke truth. They did. So, notice they spoke truth. They did. So, I'm going to help you out. I'm going to I'm going to help you out. I'm going to I'm going to help you out. I'm going to give you another prompt. You're going to give you another prompt. You're going to give you another prompt. You're going to read the underlined words. You ready? read the underlined words. You ready? read the underlined words. You ready? They spoke truth by what? They spoke truth by what? They spoke truth by what? By the word of their testimony. Now, By the word of their testimony. Now, By the word of their testimony. Now, here's what's really cool. The the the here's what's really cool. The the the here's what's really cool. The the the word word uh the the Greek word behind word word uh the the Greek word behind word word uh the the Greek word behind it is the word logos. Somebody say it is the word logos. Somebody say it is the word logos. Somebody say logos. logos. logos. >> Logos. It actually has three >> Logos. It actually has three >> Logos. It actually has three applications in in the Bible. Each one I applications in in the Bible. Each one I applications in in the Bible. Each one I think comes into play here. The first think comes into play here. The first think comes into play here. The first application is actually the written word application is actually the written word application is actually the written word of God. Part of how you overcome the of God. Part of how you overcome the of God. Part of how you overcome the schemes of the enemy is you know the schemes of the enemy is you know the schemes of the enemy is you know the word of God. If I know what it says, word of God. If I know what it says, word of God. If I know what it says, then I actually know God's truth. I then I actually know God's truth. I then I actually know God's truth. I understand God's truth. I sit in God's understand God's truth. I sit in God's understand God's truth. I sit in God's truth. God's truth has become a part of truth. God's truth has become a part of truth. God's truth has become a part of my life. If I understand God's truth, I my life. If I understand God's truth, I my life. If I understand God's truth, I can I can tell when there's a can I can tell when there's a can I can tell when there's a counterfeit that's come my way. Uh maybe counterfeit that's come my way. Uh maybe counterfeit that's come my way. Uh maybe you've heard this illustration uh when you've heard this illustration uh when you've heard this illustration uh when it when it comes to a a bank teller and it when it comes to a a bank teller and it when it comes to a a bank teller and how the bank teller identifies how the bank teller identifies how the bank teller identifies counterfeit money. Uh they train bank counterfeit money. Uh they train bank counterfeit money. Uh they train bank tellers by putting the real thing in

tellers by putting the real thing in tellers by putting the real thing in their hand over and over again. You their hand over and over again. You their hand over and over again. You handle the real thing. You handle the handle the real thing. You handle the handle the real thing. You handle the real thing. You handle the real thing. real thing. You handle the real thing. real thing. You handle the real thing. And the more I get familiar with the And the more I get familiar with the And the more I get familiar with the real thing is the moment you slip a real thing is the moment you slip a real thing is the moment you slip a counterfeit bill into their hands, they counterfeit bill into their hands, they counterfeit bill into their hands, they can they can see it because they know can they can see it because they know can they can see it because they know what's real and so they can really what's real and so they can really what's real and so they can really quickly detect what's counterfeit. quickly detect what's counterfeit. quickly detect what's counterfeit. That's why we as a church are always That's why we as a church are always That's why we as a church are always challenging our people. Get your life challenging our people. Get your life challenging our people. Get your life into the word of God. Set aside 15, 20, into the word of God. Set aside 15, 20, into the word of God. Set aside 15, 20, 30 minutes. The time doesn't matter 30 minutes. The time doesn't matter 30 minutes. The time doesn't matter every single day. Get in the word of every single day. Get in the word of every single day. Get in the word of God. We actually challenge you. Do it at God. We actually challenge you. Do it at God. We actually challenge you. Do it at least four days a week. Because here's least four days a week. Because here's least four days a week. Because here's what we know. If you read the word of what we know. If you read the word of what we know. If you read the word of God four days a week, it has a God four days a week, it has a God four days a week, it has a disproportionate impact than anything disproportionate impact than anything disproportionate impact than anything else that you'll do in your life else that you'll do in your life else that you'll do in your life spiritually. Why is because it's like spiritually. Why is because it's like spiritually. Why is because it's like that bank teller. You get God's truth in that bank teller. You get God's truth in that bank teller. You get God's truth in your hand every single day. You know it. your hand every single day. You know it. your hand every single day. You know it. You're living it. You're breathing it. You're living it. You're breathing it. You're living it. You're breathing it. You're experiencing it. And the moment You're experiencing it. And the moment You're experiencing it. And the moment the enemy tries to sit some sort of the enemy tries to sit some sort of the enemy tries to sit some sort of counterfeit in it, you can recognize it. counterfeit in it, you can recognize it. counterfeit in it, you can recognize it. The only power of deception that he has The only power of deception that he has The only power of deception that he has over your life is the power that you over your life is the power that you over your life is the power that you give him.

give him. give him. You equip yourself with the word of God. You equip yourself with the word of God. You equip yourself with the word of God. He has less deceptive power in your life He has less deceptive power in your life He has less deceptive power in your life or mine. or mine. or mine. The other use of of the word logos is The other use of of the word logos is The other use of of the word logos is not just the word of God. It's actually not just the word of God. It's actually not just the word of God. It's actually Jesus himself is called the word. Jesus himself is called the word. Jesus himself is called the word. Because here's what's so important. Uh Because here's what's so important. Uh Because here's what's so important. Uh what's so important is this weapon is what's so important is this weapon is what's so important is this weapon is not just about information. It's also not just about information. It's also not just about information. It's also about relationship. That that you and I about relationship. That that you and I about relationship. That that you and I are not left stranded when it comes to are not left stranded when it comes to are not left stranded when it comes to the tactics of the enemy. That actually the tactics of the enemy. That actually the tactics of the enemy. That actually in relationship with God, empowered by in relationship with God, empowered by in relationship with God, empowered by his Holy Spirit, you and I can walk with his Holy Spirit, you and I can walk with his Holy Spirit, you and I can walk with God in a way that we can overcome the God in a way that we can overcome the God in a way that we can overcome the temptations. We can overcome some of the temptations. We can overcome some of the temptations. We can overcome some of the deception. The only power that he has is deception. The only power that he has is deception. The only power that he has is what we give him because our life is what we give him because our life is what we give him because our life is relationally anchored with the person of relationally anchored with the person of relationally anchored with the person of Christ. Christ. Christ. The third meaning of the word logos is The third meaning of the word logos is The third meaning of the word logos is the spoken word of God. And that's why the spoken word of God. And that's why the spoken word of God. And that's why scripture is over and over and over scripture is over and over and over scripture is over and over and over again reminding us that we should never again reminding us that we should never again reminding us that we should never try to do life alone. That we were made try to do life alone. That we were made try to do life alone. That we were made for the context of community. Because for the context of community. Because for the context of community. Because there are times that even in my best there are times that even in my best there are times that even in my best moments, I fall prey to some of the moments, I fall prey to some of the moments, I fall prey to some of the deceptive tactics of the enemy. But if I deceptive tactics of the enemy. But if I deceptive tactics of the enemy. But if I have really strong spiritual friends who have really strong spiritual friends who have really strong spiritual friends who love me enough to tell me the truth, love me enough to tell me the truth, love me enough to tell me the truth, they can speak the word of God over my they can speak the word of God over my they can speak the word of God over my life and I can find freedom from the life and I can find freedom from the life and I can find freedom from the things that I would have fallen for things that I would have fallen for things that I would have fallen for otherwise.

otherwise. otherwise. Do not try to do it alone. Do not try to do it alone. Do not try to do it alone. You need the word of God. You need the word of God. You need the word of God. You need the word of God. You need the word of God. You need the word of God. And you need the word of God that's And you need the word of God that's And you need the word of God that's spoken through other people around you. spoken through other people around you. spoken through other people around you. It allows you to stand strong in the It allows you to stand strong in the It allows you to stand strong in the face of the enemy. face of the enemy. face of the enemy. Here's the last weapon. Weapon number Here's the last weapon. Weapon number Here's the last weapon. Weapon number three. They surrendered everything. Help three. They surrendered everything. Help three. They surrendered everything. Help me out with the underlined words again. me out with the underlined words again. me out with the underlined words again. They surrendered everything. Look what They surrendered everything. Look what They surrendered everything. Look what it says. They did not what? it says. They did not what? it says. They did not what? They did not love their lives so much as They did not love their lives so much as They did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death. In other words, to shrink from death. In other words, to shrink from death. In other words, they had surrendered everything, they had surrendered everything, they had surrendered everything, including their lives. Here, here's including their lives. Here, here's including their lives. Here, here's what's fascinating about the the what's fascinating about the the what's fascinating about the the strategy of intimidation. Uh the Bible strategy of intimidation. Uh the Bible strategy of intimidation. Uh the Bible describes us surrendering everything. We describes us surrendering everything. We describes us surrendering everything. We surrender our plans. We surrender our surrender our plans. We surrender our surrender our plans. We surrender our comfort. We surrender our resources. We comfort. We surrender our resources. We comfort. We surrender our resources. We surrender everything to God. Why do we surrender everything to God. Why do we surrender everything to God. Why do we surrender everything to God? Because if surrender everything to God? Because if surrender everything to God? Because if we surrender everything, we got nothing we surrender everything, we got nothing we surrender everything, we got nothing to lose. to lose. to lose. The moment you have nothing to lose, The moment you have nothing to lose, The moment you have nothing to lose, nobody can intimidate you about nobody can intimidate you about nobody can intimidate you about anything.

anything. anything. Intimidation only works when I'm trying Intimidation only works when I'm trying Intimidation only works when I'm trying to protect the thing that I'm not to protect the thing that I'm not to protect the thing that I'm not willing to lose. willing to lose. willing to lose. But the moment I lay it down, that I But the moment I lay it down, that I But the moment I lay it down, that I surrender it to God, intimidation is surrender it to God, intimidation is surrender it to God, intimidation is powerless over you. powerless over you. powerless over you. The only power the enemy has is the The only power the enemy has is the The only power the enemy has is the power that you and I give him. power that you and I give him. power that you and I give him. Because Revelation 12 helps us be people Because Revelation 12 helps us be people Because Revelation 12 helps us be people who aren't unaware who aren't unaware who aren't unaware and also people who aren't unprepared. and also people who aren't unprepared. and also people who aren't unprepared. Because when it comes to his accusation Because when it comes to his accusation Because when it comes to his accusation or his deception or his intimidation, or his deception or his intimidation, or his deception or his intimidation, God has given us everything we need to God has given us everything we need to God has given us everything we need to not fight for victory, not fight for victory, not fight for victory, but to fight from it because the war has but to fight from it because the war has but to fight from it because the war has already been won.

I I wrote this down and I want to get it I I wrote this down and I want to get it precise. I'm actually just going to read precise. I'm actually just going to read precise. I'm actually just going to read it to you. Here's what I believe. it to you. Here's what I believe. it to you. Here's what I believe. This dragon is somewhat powerful. This dragon is somewhat powerful. This dragon is somewhat powerful. He's just not the most powerful. He's just not the most powerful. He's just not the most powerful. Be reminded that the dragon couldn't Be reminded that the dragon couldn't Be reminded that the dragon couldn't stop the birth of Jesus. stop the birth of Jesus. stop the birth of Jesus. He couldn't stop the resurrection of He couldn't stop the resurrection of He couldn't stop the resurrection of Jesus. He couldn't stop the ascension of Jesus. He couldn't stop the ascension of Jesus. He couldn't stop the ascension of Jesus. And for 2,000 years, he's not Jesus. And for 2,000 years, he's not Jesus. And for 2,000 years, he's not been able to stop the church of Jesus been able to stop the church of Jesus been able to stop the church of Jesus Christ. Empires have fallen. Persecution Christ. Empires have fallen. Persecution Christ. Empires have fallen. Persecution has come. Cultures have shifted. has come. Cultures have shifted. has come. Cultures have shifted. Generations have tried to bury the Generations have tried to bury the Generations have tried to bury the church. The dragon has raised with church. The dragon has raised with church. The dragon has raised with everything he has, my friends. And the everything he has, my friends. And the everything he has, my friends. And the church is still here. Not because we're church is still here. Not because we're church is still here. Not because we're impressive, impressive, impressive, but because our God is faithful. but because our God is faithful. but because our God is faithful. Stand in the faithfulness of our great Stand in the faithfulness of our great Stand in the faithfulness of our great God. God. God. This world is not just what you see. This world is not just what you see. This world is not just what you see. There's a spiritual battle playing out There's a spiritual battle playing out There's a spiritual battle playing out in every moment, in every conversation, in every moment, in every conversation, in every moment, in every conversation, in every relationship, in every in every relationship, in every in every relationship, in every situation.

situation. situation. Revelation 12 reminds us, see through a Revelation 12 reminds us, see through a Revelation 12 reminds us, see through a spiritual lens. You can't fight a spiritual lens. You can't fight a spiritual lens. You can't fight a spiritual battle with physical weapons. spiritual battle with physical weapons. spiritual battle with physical weapons. Equip yourself Equip yourself Equip yourself with God's word, with God's word, with God's word, with God's truth, with God's truth, with God's truth, with God's people. with God's people. with God's people. So the tactics of deception and So the tactics of deception and So the tactics of deception and temptation and intimidation and temptation and intimidation and temptation and intimidation and accusation accusation accusation have no power over you. have no power over you. have no power over you. Let me talk to two groups real quick. Let me talk to two groups real quick. Let me talk to two groups real quick. Some of you have not yet made the Some of you have not yet made the Some of you have not yet made the decision to follow Jesus. decision to follow Jesus. decision to follow Jesus. And I will say without without a And I will say without without a And I will say without without a decision to follow Jesus, we don't stand decision to follow Jesus, we don't stand decision to follow Jesus, we don't stand a chance against the tactics of the a chance against the tactics of the a chance against the tactics of the enemy. enemy. enemy. And so I would say to you if life has And so I would say to you if life has And so I would say to you if life has felt more difficult than it should have felt more difficult than it should have felt more difficult than it should have and you feel somewhat powerless against and you feel somewhat powerless against and you feel somewhat powerless against the things that you're facing in this the things that you're facing in this the things that you're facing in this world, world, world, it's time to give your life to the only it's time to give your life to the only it's time to give your life to the only one who's powerful enough one who's powerful enough one who's powerful enough to help you become an overcomer.

to help you become an overcomer. to help you become an overcomer. Quit fighting for victory. Quit fighting for victory. Quit fighting for victory. Come to Jesus and actually fight from Come to Jesus and actually fight from Come to Jesus and actually fight from victory. that he's already won on your victory. that he's already won on your victory. that he's already won on your behalf. behalf. behalf. For others of you, you've been followers For others of you, you've been followers For others of you, you've been followers of Jesus for a long time, but candidly, of Jesus for a long time, but candidly, of Jesus for a long time, but candidly, you've given way too much power to the you've given way too much power to the you've given way too much power to the enemy. enemy. enemy. And even as followers of Jesus, there's And even as followers of Jesus, there's And even as followers of Jesus, there's times that we can be deceived. And times that we can be deceived. And times that we can be deceived. And there's times that we can feel accused there's times that we can feel accused there's times that we can feel accused and have a a soundtrack playing in our and have a a soundtrack playing in our and have a a soundtrack playing in our minds. There's times that we feel minds. There's times that we feel minds. There's times that we feel intimidated. We want to back down and intimidated. We want to back down and intimidated. We want to back down and quit. quit. quit. I want to encourage you to take a step. I want to encourage you to take a step. I want to encourage you to take a step. Make a commitment this week. Maybe it's Make a commitment this week. Maybe it's Make a commitment this week. Maybe it's a commitment to dive into God's word. a commitment to dive into God's word. a commitment to dive into God's word. Maybe it's a commitment to jump into Maybe it's a commitment to jump into Maybe it's a commitment to jump into community. Maybe it's a a commitment to community. Maybe it's a a commitment to community. Maybe it's a a commitment to uh to share something with somebody uh to share something with somebody uh to share something with somebody that's a trustworthy person who could that's a trustworthy person who could that's a trustworthy person who could speak God's truth into your life. speak God's truth into your life. speak God's truth into your life. Don't just continue on with status quo. Don't just continue on with status quo. Don't just continue on with status quo. Allow God to bring his power into your Allow God to bring his power into your Allow God to bring his power into your life even today. life even today. life even today. Let me pray for us. God, we love you.

Let me pray for us. God, we love you. Let me pray for us. God, we love you. God, I'm so grateful for your word that God, I'm so grateful for your word that God, I'm so grateful for your word that helps us see things that we wouldn't see helps us see things that we wouldn't see helps us see things that we wouldn't see otherwise. To trust you in ways that we otherwise. To trust you in ways that we otherwise. To trust you in ways that we wouldn't have otherwise. And God, we wouldn't have otherwise. And God, we wouldn't have otherwise. And God, we just believe that greater is he who is just believe that greater is he who is just believe that greater is he who is in us than he who is in the world. So in us than he who is in the world. So in us than he who is in the world. So God, I'm grateful for revelation. It's God, I'm grateful for revelation. It's God, I'm grateful for revelation. It's not designed to scare us, but God, thank not designed to scare us, but God, thank not designed to scare us, but God, thank you so much for giving it to us because you so much for giving it to us because you so much for giving it to us because it prepares us. It helps us feel it prepares us. It helps us feel it prepares us. It helps us feel equipped for whatever we face in our equipped for whatever we face in our equipped for whatever we face in our journey. journey. journey. So, Father, I just ask that we would So, Father, I just ask that we would So, Father, I just ask that we would come to you, that we lay it all down, we come to you, that we lay it all down, we come to you, that we lay it all down, we give it to you, we dive into your word give it to you, we dive into your word give it to you, we dive into your word so that we can fight from the victory so that we can fight from the victory so that we can fight from the victory that you've already given us in Jesus. that you've already given us in Jesus. that you've already given us in Jesus. God, we love you. We say thanks in Jesus God, we love you. We say thanks in Jesus God, we love you. We say thanks in Jesus name. Amen.